Don’t Say a Word by Allison Brennan

Margot investigates a teen’s death that has been ruled as an overdose, only his mother isn’t convinced. Every thread Margo pulls leads back to a dangerous drug ring that once ran through the school. Margo’s only sure of one thing—she has to find out what really happened to Elijah before more teens become pawns in a twisted scheme.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was happy to see Margot working with her family again and mending fences, even though there was still some strain there. I just loved the family dynamics that are so realistic and strong. We also learned more about Margot’s personal life and history. The plot was complicated and presented several interesting twists. Margot’s instincts were spot on, but proving it and catching the bad guys turned out to be way more complicated. This book hooked me right from the start and it was hard to put down to do those pesky every day life things. I am super excited for the next book.

Genre: Suspense
Published: September 16, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Series: Book 2 of Angelhart Investigations

Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert

The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire―and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely loved the imagery used in this book. For all that it had a very slow pace, it was beautifully written. We have two powerful sorcerers who have been used against each other in a kind of cold war, to prevent a complete destruction of the kingdoms they were serving. Yet, their interactions were carefully thought out, non-confrontational, and playful. I enjoyed their blossoming friendship and romance. They were both tired of the endless scheming and battles and just wanted to live in peace, and that was the overarching feeling that jumped clearly from every page. This is a steamy fantasy romance, but not like what you’d expect. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: July 8, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm

Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan

In this sun-dappled mystery, a risk-averse bibliophile gets in over her head when strange notes in a book draw her into a real-life investigation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This felt at times like I was part of one of those murder mystery parties, only it came with a real body and real danger. I loved the setting, and Mia’s thinking process, and how she used her knowledge of finance to help. The crimes were convoluted and several secrets were revealed. I enjoyed Mia and Jason’s budding romance. It was a fun, fast-paced romantic suspense, and definitely my kind of book.

Genre: Suspense, Romance
Published: June 17, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean

A sharp, sexy novel about a wealthy New England family’s long-overdue reckoning with hidden desires, destructive secrets… and one week that threatens to tear them apart.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Talk about family drama. This book was very emotional from beginning to end. I was drawn in by Alice and the messed-up family dynamics and it was hard to put down. Franklin really was a nasty, narcissistic man. He expected his kids to “make something of themselves” like he did, but he never gave them the tools growing up to do this. Instead, he controlled (or tried to) every aspect of their lives, and punished them when they didn’t fall in line. Even after death. I didn’t like any of Alice’s siblings at the beginning, but as the story unfolded, I could see how they were shaped into the adults they became. And, yes, a lot of it was by their own making, but it was clear that their father played an immensely influential role. I liked how the romance between Jack and Alice developed. They had their own issues to overcome, but their interactions provided sweet, soothing moments in between all the chaos.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 8, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm